City of Defenders

Our vision is that rather than being known as a marketplace for traffickers, our city becomes a place where every woman, man, and child is defended against the harms of trafficking.

In 2016, the Alliance launched a campaign called City of Defenders to address the issue of demand for sex trafficking in and through the Church. In recognizing there are many facets to tackling demand, we developed a series of different initiatives and strategies in our churches, families, youth groups and communities. Some of these initiatives to tackle demand involve women and men working together, but some initiatives call out men specifically to step up and speak to other men. Through City of Defenders, we are taking a bold step forward and directly calling out men to take a stance against sexual exploitation of every form.

The driving force of sex-trafficking is demand.

For the last 15-20 years there has been a necessary focus on the victims of sex-trafficking. Anti-trafficking organizations and law enforcement have got better at capturing traffickers, and better at rescuing and restoring victims. This essential work needs to continue. However, unless we get to the root cause, traffickers will simply recruit more girls and more women will be sold into slavery. To end slavery, we have to address the issue at its core: the demand.

The deep roots of the problem of demand lie in the condition of the human heart. Demand is a spiritual issue that needs a spiritual solution. We need transformed hearts. Who better to address this than the Church?

The Alliance has developed a strategic plan called City of Defenders to address the issue of demand for sex trafficking in and through the Church. In recognizing there are many facets to tackling demand, we developed a series of different initiatives and strategies in our churches, families, youth groups and communities. Some of these initiatives to tackle demand involve women and men working together, but some initiatives call out men specifically to step up and speak out to other men. Through City of Defenders, we are taking a bold step forward and directly calling out men to take a stance against sexual exploitation of every form. How does it work?

To connect with us and find out more out these initiatives, send us an email at becomeadefender@freedomchurchalliance.org